This week takes another westward turn towards Margaret River, and the illustrious whites and reds of Moss Wood! Joined by Hugh Mugford (Winemaker & Viticulturalist at the estate), we will look at their newest line of goodies, with Semillon, Amy's Cabernet Blend, 'Elsa' Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, three Ribbon Vales, and their beloved Cabernet Sauvignon (new 2021 vintage). This is always one of the highlights of the annual tasting calendar for many - come by anytime Saturday (18th) between 12 and 2pm, and hear from Hugh himself what great work they've conjured up this year!
Semillon 2022 - $35 on special; $39 RRP
"You hear quite a lot about Moss Wood’s great cabernets and chardonnay, and as a result this little guy can slip under the radar. But it remains one of my favourite wines in the Moss Wood portfolio. And it shows how good semillon can be in Margs. This has got some weight but it’s held with control by the dab hand of a lemon citrus acid tang. Very long finish. One of the best I can recall." - 95 Points, Ray Jordan
"Gee, they’ve turned out an excellent Semillon in 2023. No oak employed here. Ripe green apple, quince, lime leaf, citrus blossom, a little spice and jalapeño. It’s flavoursome, but balanced, with a fine grip, green melon and citrus, arrowroot biscuits, and a bright and long finish offering lime zest and some exotic tropical fruits, maybe yellow kiwi fruit or something like that. It’s a delight, and sure, a bolder expression of Semillon, but with excellent balance and intensity of fruit. I think one of the best releases of this wine for some time." - 94 Points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front
Amy's Cabernet Blend 2022 - $35 on special; $39 RRP
// Cabernet Sauvignon 68% , Merlot 20%, Malbec 7% , Petit Verdot 5%
"The nose is a lifted expression of all of the varieties in the blend. The Merlot contributes rich blackcurrant notes while Malbec brings in watermelon aromas. The Cabernet Sauvignon dominates with heaped dollops of blueberry and red currants. As the wine begins to relax in the glass, the textural charry and chocolatey notes begin to materialize. Carrying over from the nose the blueberries and red currants make their presence felt. The firm tannin structure is accented by the generosity of a full body mid-palate. The acidity has a gentle linearity which pairs nicely with texture derived from the in French Oak. The youthful vibrancy and liveliness of the fruit weight make this wine very appealing and should be enjoyed young." - Winemaker Notes
Ribbon Vale 'Elsa' Sauvignon Blanc 2022 - $64 on special; $72 RRP
"Serious sauvignon with white peach, nectarine, spicy French oak, oyster shell, and a hint of feijoa. Taut, invigorating wine with mouthwatering acidity that gives the wine energy and a lingering finish." - 95 Points, Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review (#1 Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc for 2022 vintage+ awarded Top Rank)
Ribbon Vale Chardonnay 2023 - $66 on special; $75 RRP
"A recent addition to the Moss Wood portfolio showing the great strides that have been taken in managing the Ribbon Vale vineyard. This is probably the best release yet. It was a superb season and its shows in a wine of elegance and refinement, yet with layered complexity and sophistication. Nice lemon scents yield to more lemon zest flavours with a chalky acidity sustaining the finish. Oak has been beautifully integrated. Mighty impressive wine." - 95 Points, Ray Jordan
"Taut, high-energy chardonnay with lemon curd, toasty French oak, sizzled butter, white peach and grapefruit marmalade supported by fresh acidity and fine peppery tannins. Aerate to get the best out of this closed and youthful wine." - 95 Points, Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review
Ribbon Vale Merlot 2021 - $66 on special; $75 RRP
"Deep-ish red-purple colour, bright and fresh; the bouquet is briary, peaty, cedar and savoury forest-floor complexities overlying dark-berry/cassis/mulberry fruit, the palate elegant and intense with lovely depth of flavour and fine, caressing tannins that run the full length of the palate. Lovely wine indeed, and a triumph for a straight merlot." - 95 Points, Huon Hooke, The Real Review
Ribbon Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 - $66 on special; $75 RRP
"Medium-deep red-purple with a briary, tomato-bush and angelica bouquet, the palate medium-full bodied and lively, intense, fine and focused, with bright and attractive cabernet cassis/raspberry fruit backed by fine, persuasive yet supple tannins. Fine, elegant cabernet, worth cellar space." - 93 Points, Huon Hooke, The Real Review
Pinot Noir 2021 - $72 on special; $82 RRP
"This cooler vintage was ideal for pinot from this part of Margaret River. Perfumed and highly scented aromas of strawberry and sour cherry with a slightly truffly influence. The velvety palate captures that iron fist in a velvet varietal character. Smooth and seamless with a gossamer like sheen. Beautiful." - 96 Points, Ray Jordan
Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 - $145 on special; $159 RRP
"One of Australia’s great cabernets. This from a cooler season highlights and accentuates the typical bright red fruits and blue fruit mix, especially on the nose. It’s aromatic and perfumed with an African violet scent. The palate as always is so exquisitely balanced and refined. Since 1989 the cabernet has been augmented with the floral bright fruit of cabernet franc and the darker robust black fruits of petit verdot. The palate delivers with a gentle restraint yet there is power deep within. The chalky tannins define a long and focussed finish. A deceptive medium bodied wine that will cellar for many years." - 98 Points, Ray Jordan
If you wish to buy any of these wines, please use the links above ? Alternatively, email us at sales@thewineemporium.com.au, or contact us on (07)32521117 if you have any questions // Prices valid until Wednesday the 22nd of May